BLOG

This Week on Artist Talk & International Dance (5/17)

This Sunday the weekly program, Dance Diplomacy with Jonathan, continues:

The format of this coming Sunday’s Dance Diplomacy Interview has been divided into two parts, first providing the context of American cultural diplomacy in Africa from Patricia Ehrnman, a U.S. State Department official whose perspective has been formed over 18 years in the field. This will be followed by a conversation among three arts leaders from Zambia, Uganda and Botswana, Maanka Chipindi, Abdul Kinyenya and Kealeboga Motsumi, with all of whom Battery Dance has engaged in prior cultural diplomacy programs. Both parts together will be aired at 9 a.m. and 12 noon. The enforced cancellation of performances and tours by African dance companies has left many dancers without means for supporting themselves and their families. How the situation looks today and how different countries are responding will be explored in the two-part interview.

Hollander says that “No matter how Embassies, Arts Councils and dance companies respond to challenges and chart their courses institutionally, look to individuals like Patricia, Kealegoba, Abdul and Maanka, fierce advocates, movers and shakers, to make a difference. I look forward to introducing them all to the Battery Dance TV audience on Sunday!”

An African dance class and solo performance will occupy the 2 pm and 4 pm slots on Sunday following the interview.